We are thrilled to announce and congratulate the 2024 nominees for Special Olympics BC’s annual provincial awards! These athletes, coaches, and volunteers have been recognized by their peers for their brilliant accomplishments, attitudes, dedication, and contributions to Special Olympics. They are truly inspiring individuals.
Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s inspiring nominees! Read about the accomplishments highlighted by their nominators:
Athletic Achievement Award
The Athletic Achievement Award is presented annually to a male or female athlete who has demonstrated outstanding athletic skill both in practice and competition.
Danielle Pechet, Special Olympics BC – Vernon
- Has been an SOBC athlete for over five years
- Participates in athletics, basketball, bocce, Club Fit, and snowshoeing
- Competed in her first National Games in 2024
Elizabeth Ashton, Special Olympics BC – Victoria
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 13 years
- Participates in bowling, bocce, soccer, figure and speed skating, and swimming
- Is committed to achieving the goals that she sets for herself
Jesse Thibeault, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been an SOBC athlete for eight years
- Participates in athletics and speed skating
- Is an uplifting and inspiring teammate to fellow athletes and takes on various leadership roles during practices
Tony Wilkinson, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 14 years
- Participates in athletics, basketball, bocce, Club Fit, golf, powerlifting, soccer, and snowshoeing
- Has competed at National Games twice and selected to participate at World Games once
Wayne Gowanlock, Special Olympics BC – Elk Valley
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 25 years
- Participates in bocce, bowling, golf, snowshoeing, and swimming
- Is a positive role model to local high school students with intellectual disabilities
Grassroots Coach Award
The Grassroots Coach Award is presented to a coach who works tirelessly to ensure that all athletes, regardless of their ability level, are provided with opportunities to train, improve, and compete.
Chris Dale, Special Olympics BC – Terrace
- Has been an SOBC coach for 21 years
- Coaches the basketball, curling, and soccer teams
- Goes above and beyond to accommodate athletes’ needs through developing strong relationships with them
Debbie McCooey, Special Olympics BC – Comox Valley
- Has been an SOBC coach for over 20 years
- Coaches and oversees all aspects of the bowling program
- Encourages her athletes to grow through education and developing a healthy lifestyle
Terralyn Polege, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been an SOBC coach since 2011
- Is the head coach for basketball, powerlifting, and soccer
- Works closely with fellow coaches to maximize her athletes’ potentials
Howard Carter Award
The Howard Carter Award recognizes a coach who provides exceptional training to athletes, preparing them to beat personal bests and deliver high-calibre. This award is named after an upstanding member of the automobile business community and a great friend of Special Olympics BC, Howard Carter.
Brendon Schmidt, Special Olympics BC – Langley
- Has been an SOBC coach since 2010
- Empowers fellow coaches and volunteers to help athletes grow and gain new skills in their sports
- Coaches his athletes with a positive and enthusiastic attitude and leads by example
BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award
The BC LETR award is presented annually to a Law Enforcement Torch Run member who has demonstrated significant dedication to the BC LETR and Special Olympics BC.
Cst. Azad Vizheh, North Vancouver RCMP
- Has been involved in the LETR for five years
- Has coordinated LETR events at his detachment in from 2021 to 2023
- Has personally raised over $3,000 for SOBC and has supported various fundraising events
Cst. Dan Galano, Victoria Police Department
- Has been involved in the LETR for six years
- Has sat on the organizing committee for the Torch Run and the Polar Plunge events in Greater Victoria over the past three years
- Develops unique and positive relationships with SOBC athletes
Cst. Estee Clifford, Abbotsford Police Department
- Has been involved in the LETR for 17 years
- Organized Abbotsford’s 2024 Polar Plunge event which raised over $30,000
- Was the Abbotsford Police Department representative at the 2023 International LETR Conference
Sgt. George Maclagan, British Columbia Sheriff Service
- Has been involved in the LETR for 15 years
- Is committed to encouraging people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their goals with an upbeat and positive attitude
- Is Aan active participant and organizer of various LETR events
Staff Sgt. Michelle Luca, Ridge Meadows RCMP
- Has been involved in the LETR for approximately 10 years
- Is one of the lead event coordinators for the Polar Plunge and Torch Run in Ridge Meadows
- Is a very passionate champion for the LETR both locally and across the Lower Mainland
Cst. Sam Zacharias, Port Moody Police Department
- Has been involved in the LETR for five years
- Became the Media Relations Officer in 2021 and has organized his community’s Torch Run ever since
- Develops close relationships with SOBC athletes and supports them at local community events and other police department initiatives
President's Award
The President's Award is presented to a non-coaching volunteer who is dedicated to planning, organizing and operating sport programs, fundraisers or competitions.
Christine Rak, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been involved with SOBC for 18 years
- Is the treasurer for SOBC – Surrey and organizes year-round registration
- Is involved in all of the Local's programs as a coach and administrator
Marilyn Sun, Special Olympics BC – Kelowna
- Has been involved with SOBC for three years
- Is the Program Coordinator for SOBC – Kelowna
- Goes beyond what is required to meet the needs of the Local's programs
Melinda Markser, Special Olympics BC – Coquitlam
- Has been involved with SOBC for over 11 years
- Has grown the Local's program over the years, and organized their Regional Qualifier event for swimming
- A very caring and conscientious coach and developed strong communication with athletes, volunteers, and families.
Phyllis Baudais, Special Olympics BC – Comox Valley
- Has been involved with SOBC for over 12 years
- Is the Registration Coordinator for SOBC – Comox Valley
- Dedicates her time and efforts outside of her role through coaching and organizing various sport programs
Steve Van Hemert, Special Olympics BC – Trail
- Has been involved with SOBC for over 12 years
- Organizes the Local's major fundraising events
- A positive role model to athletes and volunteers, and helps out where needed at sport programs and events
Spirit of Sport Award
The Spirit of Sport Award is presented annually to a male or female Special Olympics BC athlete who exemplifies the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Jake Hooper, Special Olympics BC – Comox Valley
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 16 years
- Always enjoys engaging with other athletes and volunteers at events and competitions
- A selfless individual who puts other athletes' interests before his own
Melissa Andrews, Special Olympics BC – Surrey
- Has been an SOBC athlete for 16 years
- Is involved with fundraising events with Tim Hortons and the Polar Plunge for SOBC
- Encourages fellow athletes and elevates team spirit during practices and competitions
Heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving nominees! Winners will receive their awards in their communities in summer 2024. SOBC looks forward to honouring all the deserving winners and nominees in a virtual awards ceremony in early fall 2024, kicking off the next sport season with an inspiring celebration! Stay tuned for details!